Tower of London – 1,000 years of history can be explored at Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress on the north bank of the River Thames, where the resplendent Crown Jewels are kept. http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/

RETAIL THERAPY

Knightsbridge – is one of the most luxurious and exclusive shopping destinations in the world. The historic Knightsbridge Estate spans some 3.5 acres and is now home to the UK flagship stores of Tom Ford, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, The Kooples, Boodles and more.

Harrods, Knightsbridge – is a 7-floor luxury retail palace, featuring some 330 departments. The finest items from designer fashion and accessories to technology, homeware, toys, food and drink are all spread across this British institution, where you could easily lose yourself (and splash plenty of cash!) for an entire day. For ultimate indulgence, book an appointment with a personal shopper or a bespoke experience in The Penthouse. Harrods boasts 28 eateries, ranging from the informal Bentley’s Sea Grill to the elegant Georgian Restaurant. http://www.harrods.com/

Old Bond Street – After taking in Buckingham Palace, you may like to stroll through the serene stretch of Green Park, crossing Piccadilly before heading north up Old Bond Street. Here the window-shopping alone is remarkable: pass Tiffany & Co, Christian Dior, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and more.

Regent Street – connecting Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus, Regent Street is where you will find flagship stores for the likes of Apple, Coach and Superdry.

Liberty, Regent Street – is a historic luxury department store which is best known for its graphic floral prints http://www.liberty.co.uk/

Carnaby Street – in the heart of Soho is an iconic pedestrianised street with 150 shops and over 50 independent restaurants and bars www.carnaby.co.uk

Oxford Street – one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets features Niketown and Topshop, officially the world’s largest fashion store.

Selfridges, Oxford Street – was voted the best department store in the world, featuring 6 floors and hundreds of fashion designers. http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/

Marylebone High Street – to escape the crowds and get a sense of village life in the heart of London, head to this sheltered West End corner. With its elegant boutiques and quiet restaurants, Marylebone High Street seems a world away from Oxford Street.

King’s Road, Chelsea – is home to the innovative Saatchi Gallery and a rich array of up-market boutiques, restaurants and bars.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

Borough Market – is a foodie’s paradise, bringing the best artisan bakers, growers and producers from in and around London together to offer everything from cupcakes to spices http://boroughmarket.org.uk/

Royal Albert Hall – is Queen Victoria’s staggering monument to her beloved Prince Albert and one of the finest performance spaces in the world. The Hall hosts a variety of events, spanning genres from opera to rock and from comedy to circus. http://www.royalalberthall.com/

CULTURAL CURIOSITIES

Victoria and Albert Museum – is the largest decorative arts museum in the world. Representing the love of the arts of Queen Victoria and her husband, Albert, the museum was founded in 1852 and eventually opened in 1857. It holds 3,000 years’ worth of artefacts from the world’s richest cultures, spanning paintings, photographs, fashion, jewellery, ceramics and textiles. http://www.vam.ac.uk/

FAMILY FUN

Covent Garden – famous for its street theatre of roaming performers, covered food and crafts market and buzzing piazza, Covent Garden is in the heart of the theatre district and full of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. https://www.coventgarden.london

Madam Tussads – take the perfect selfie and get up close and personal with your celebrity heroes and heroines! Madam Tussads is home to uncannily lifelike wax models of legends such as Michael Jackson, Barak Obama, Cheryl Cole and Lady GaGa – you can even give them a hug! https://www.madametussauds.com/

Legoland, Windsor – is a one of the UK’s top family attractions, dedicated to imagination and creativity. Explore entire worlds built out of Lego, shows and rides, just 30 minutes’ drive from Urban Villa Hotel. http://www.legoland.co.uk

Thorpe Park – is a theme park based upon a fictional island full of fun and adventure. With rides and amusements for all ages, from ‘Angry Birds 4D’ to ‘SAW – The Ride.’ https://www.thorpepark.com/

WORLD-CLASS SPORTS ARENAS

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – the site of the historic London 2012 Olympic Games is free to explore. You can also use some of the world-class sports facilities and attend community events. http://queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/

Lord`s Cricket Ground – the home of cricket is open to visitors, featuring the legendary grounds, a museum and library. http://www.lords.org/